Review by Booklist Review
Helpful for elementary-school assignments and a fun browse for animal lovers, this book first introduces big cats in general: they are all carnivores, they are "amazing" hunters, they can be found in several kinds of biomes, and so on. Information is imparted in short, accessible sentences on pages that feature detailed acrylic paintings of big cats, with spot art and inset facts offering extras, such as what prey is. Short sections on the six big cats--tigers, lions, jaguars, leopards, cougars, and cheetahs--follow, and then more detail on big cats' bodies, their young, and their habits. A page with four big-cat facial expressions will be of particular interest, showing expressions that indicate the animal is content, annoyed, afraid, or angry (readers might enjoy observing similar faces in house cats). Closing information on conservation, with sites to visit, adds to school-report value. Though a few awkward phrasings might detract somewhat, kids fascinated by big cats will find lots of useful information within, regardless. An additional choice for school and public library shelves, especially where Gibbons' other titles are popular.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A veteran creator of children's nonfiction turns her attention to six feline species. Gibbons opens with an image of a tiger and a leopard gazing at readers, paired with prose lauding these creatures' beauty and grace. Vignettes of a cougar, cheetah, and jaguar in striking environs accompany information about their habitats. This brief introductory section concludes with a mention of their hunting prowess, enlivened by a dramatic, full-page illustration of a lioness on the verge of tackling a gazelle, both animals midleap. (Apropos of the book's young audience, there are no gory carcasses here; the prey makes a narrow escape or expires with minimal bleeding.) Spotlights on each of the six types of big cats follow. Brief, engaging descriptions anchor the artwork, while facts in smaller print are interspersed. Successive spreads cover anatomy, senses, and, entertainingly, facial expressions. The book wraps up with conservation concerns, including poaching, global warming, and human encroachment. Nonetheless, it ends on a hopeful note, with information about habitat protection, maps of animals' home ranges, and ways to support conservation work. Though the work lacks citations, a list of websites offers readers an opportunity to learn more. While the humming visuals may overwhelm some, young wildlife enthusiasts will delight in repeated reads to absorb every detail. The author's signature vivacious artwork and unfussy text elevate this introduction to a cherished group of animals. Humans depicted are diverse. A satisfying glimpse at some of the world's most charismatic felids.(Informational picture book. 7-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
